Essential Apps for the RVer

Technology has come a long way. Just within the last couple of decades, the technology in our pockets has grown by leaps and bounds. It’s hard to think that just a few years ago, we were all using a cell phone that couldn’t access the internet or send pictures of a sunset to our loved ones. I believe that all these advancements are a great thing, especially for us RVers. No more staring at a printed map, trying to figure out where exactly we are and how to get headed in the right direction. Those technological advancements we all carry around are quickly becoming just as important to the RVer as the RV itself! Well, maybe not just as important, but I can’t picture heading out for an extended vacation without my phone. I wouldn’t know what to do! I’ve compiled a list of essential apps that I use during every trip. These apps are great for finding cheap gas or finding your way to your campsite.

Pulling a travel trailer or a fifth wheel is taxing on an engine and will decrease your gas mileage. Being the frugal driver that I am, I am always searching for the cheapest gas. After all, why pay more when you don’t have to? GasBuddy is great for finding the cheapest gas in relation to where you are. With the upcoming summer, gas prices are going to reach their peak soon. Help your wallet out by spending a little less on gas and spending a little more time with your family.

This is a great crowd-sourcing traffic app. If you’re headed out on a long journey and don’t want any hiccups along the way, Waze can help. How it works is pretty simple. It uses your GPS function on your phone to relay traffic information to a publicly viewable area. For instance, if you’re on the highway and several people with Waze running on their phone are all reporting a traffic problem, then it will alert you in advance of a problem and suggest alternate routes to take to avoid it. Being stuck in traffic is the pits, but being stuck in traffic with an RV is even worse. Stop and go traffic with thousands of pounds behind you is not good for your transmission, brakes, or your gas mileage. Waze can help you avoid this.

This app is designed for all kinds of travelers. You can find hotels and flights, but if you’re in an RV, you don’t need any of those things. The best thing about this app is that is will help you find local attractions and restaurants. We’ve all been to a diner that we were apprehensive about, but it was late and we weren’t sure where the next eatery was. This solves that problem and can also help you find fun things to do with the kids!

When you’re out on a campsite, you may not be aware of any impending weather headed your way until it’s too late. Inclement weather while in an RV is always a tricky situation and being aware of any oncoming storms is a great thing to know so you can prepare. This app will send you alerts when there are weather situations approaching the area.

What apps do you depend on when you’re out on the road or at a campsite? Share with us on Facebook.